Hello,

I'm considering my future career options, one of which is becoming a
Surgeon, most likely something to do with neurosurgery.

While I have the necessary internet, qualifications and I'd say some
of the traits to be successful in such a career, I'm not that great
with general gore (if you get my meaning).

I've seen plenty of it on TV and it does gross me out a little but
nothing major. Of course TV is nothing like real life.

Other than asking my local hospital to let me look at an individual
that has been in an horrible accident, is there any way to tell if
this is something I can get over or used to, without spending 5-6
years in med school?

Do all doctors surgeons feel the same way but then learn to get over it?

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Clarification of Question by bumfilter-ga on 18 Oct 2006 11:55 PDT

Can I blame that one on an over zealous spell checker?

Now that I think about it, I'd be particularly interested in knowing
how much blood and guts would be part of any normal medical course,
including on my way to neurosurgery?

Is it something I will need to get used to as I view it every day or
is it just something I will be witnessing during my first 6 years or
similar? I'm guessing neurosurgeons don't have to remove gate posts
from abdomens and screwdrivers from eyes very often?

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Clarification of Question by bumfilter-ga on 20 Oct 2006 15:30 PDT

I've upped the price a bit more, I wish I could afford to pay more as
this is quite an important question for me but alas, I can't.

If there happens to be any doctors or surgeons out there, or some sort
of related research available, please chime in.

One quick question, is there anywhere I can get hold of a doctor or
surgeon to ask them about their career? Literally 5-10 minutes could
help me with a fairly life changing decision but it's hard to find
anyone willing or able to advice me.

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Request for Question Clarification by czh-ga on 21 Oct 2006 13:20 PDT

Hello bumfilter-ga,

You?re very smart to be doing research about a career field that
interests you. Are you in college or high school? I would be happy to
find you opportunities to talk with people in your targeted field.
Where are you located? (City, State)

Your only worry about becoming a surgeon / neurosurgeon seems to be
your reaction to blood and gore. There are many other serious
considerations about suitability for these careers. What research have
you completed already? Please tell me more about yourself and what you
already know so that I can provide you the information you need.

I look forward to your clarification.

~ czh ~

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Clarification of Question by bumfilter-ga on 21 Oct 2006 16:59 PDT

Hello czh,

I'm in the UK, if that makes any difference? I'm guessing most things
should apply across the world maybe not this however.

I've thought about potential problems I may encounter and the only
main one I could think of that would be something I may not be able to
overcome, was the blood and gore (more gore, I'm not afraid of blood).

I've talked with many people studying the Medicine course, browsed the
internet, read forums but I haven't been able to talk to anyone
actually in the field. I guess I could maybe talk to a GP but that's
not the area I want to get into and I'm assuming they have better
things to do with your time. All in all, I've not carried out any real
research, just general knowledge, asking some questions, reading and
guesswork. If you can think of anything specific you need to know I'm
happy to answer.

You won't need to spend much time in med school to find out if you can
hack it-- your first anatomy course should do it.

Everyone worries about passing out and most do get ill once or twice.
I still get a queasy feeling during certain procedures (I detest
removing fly larvae of any kind) but continued exposure inures you to
the normal response.

I look forward to a Researcher providing the usual excellent
information, maybe with some anecdotal references or similar.

One thing you need to develop, Bumfilter, is attention to detail.
Having "the necessary internet" probably isn't going to help while the
necessary interest would be invaluable.

;-)

Bumfilter...

By looking at your nickname....

Mabe you should consider Proctology? ;)

Steph53

I think the important question is whether or not the gore would stop
you from doing the job.

My grandfather became a very successful surgeon, but he fainted at his
first autopsy in medical school. I would think this is something that
you can get over given enough time and experience. Good luck.

I can?t help you with any detailed research on this as I think it may
need a doctor or surgeon to comment on it. But as a former police
officer, I do remember attending my first post-mortem. I was concerned
much along the same lines as you about fainting, the smell, blood,
etc. After equipping myself with a large packet of very strong mints I
went into the mortuary. The first couple of minutes were difficult but
a colleague and the pathologist drew me into the post-mortem by
discussing the wounds, how they caused injury to the organs, and how
death occurred. My concerns were soon overcome by curiosity. In other
words, I wanted know: What happened? How did death occur? Did a
struggle take place? What evidence is there? The time soon passed and
my fears were overcome.

The same should apply to you, concentrate on why you are there. You
want to learn about the human body. Don?t just watch and let the
spectacle overwhelm you. Look, examine, be curious, ask questions,
challenge. Forget that it was once a living, breathing person. You are
there to learn about how the body works.

Hope this helps and good luck.